At 93 years old, Don King remains a prominent figure in the boxing world, despite his company’s declining activity. His legacy is deeply rooted in the sport, and his involvement in some of the most iconic fights in history continues to be felt.
The Rise to Prominence
King’s rise to fame began with the historic fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Kinshasa, known as “The Rumble in the Jungle.” This event marked a turning point in King’s career, as he successfully negotiated record-breaking purses for the fighters and established himself as a major player in the boxing world.
A New Lawsuit
Recently, King has been sued for $3 billion by BYD Sports and its CEO, Cecil Miller, for allegedly abandoning a business venture called “Rumble in the Jungle 2.” The lawsuit claims that King encouraged Miller to organize a special event in Africa to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Ali-Foreman fight, but then backed out of the project.
Allegations of Fraud and Breach of Contract
According to the lawsuit, King was supposed to be in charge of the sports aspect of the event, which was to feature a series of fights starring top boxing talent, as well as performances by John Legend, Alicia Keys, and Wyclef Jean. However, when Miller asked King to help promote the event, he allegedly backed down and separated from the business.
Seeking Damages
The lawsuit seeks damages in the amount of $600 million, equivalent to the amount raised by the original Ali-Foreman fight, as well as $2.4 billion in prospective damages and a formal written apology. The outcome of this lawsuit remains to be seen, but it is clear that Don King’s legacy in the boxing world continues to be complex and multifaceted.